A sad day. My mom called this morning to tell me that my Aunt Jeanette died. She was 89, and apparently she died in her sleep, after not feeling well for several weeks. She was still living at home, with her daughter and grandson, and to the best of my knowledge she was not incapacitated in any way. When it’s my time to go, I would like something similar.
Aunt Jeannette is the first of my aunts to die. I have five biological aunts on my mom’s side, all between 70 and 90. We have long life in my family. And, I also hope, good life.
When I remember my Aunt Jeanette, the first thing I think of is her laugh. One of the main *sounds* I remember from my childhood, back in the day when I was a child running around with all my cousins, was Aunt Jeanette’s long, loud laugh, whenever we had a family get-together. Her laugh was unmistakable, and could be heard from clear around the other side of the block. (The other sound I remember, of course, was the traditional singing of “Sto-Lot” at every birthday, the Polish version of “For he’s a jolly good fellow,” or “How old are you now?” that was always sung after “Happy Birthday.”)
I also remember that Aunt Jeanette had a keen interest in the supernatural. I think she was the one that noted that if the pictures on your wall were crooked, it was a sign that “the spirits are telling you to leave the house.” I also remember her once saying that she saw Jesus (I believe she saw Him outside, leaning against a car), and “He was SO TALL!!”
Uncle Eddie has been gone several years now. I hope that he and Aunt Jeanette are now together again in Heaven, along with Babcie and Dzydzyie. My world just got a little smaller, and another piece of my childhood has slipped away. But not really, because there are always the memories.
“Sto-Lot,” that Polish birthday song, translates out to “A hundred years, a hundred years, may you live a hundred years!” Aunt Jeanette didn’t quite make a hundred, but it seems to me she had a pretty good run. I hope she’s seeing Jesus now, and I hope He’s even taller than she remembers.
aunt jeanette
Very well put, my dear cousin. I too, remember aunt jeanette’s laugh, and her interest in the supernatural. She was quite a character, and we all knew it. I think we were lucky to have had her in our lives.
Rest in peace, aunt Jeanette. We know heaven will be happy to have you.
Donna
Aunt Jeannette
Sorry to hear about Aunt Jeanette, but I also remember her laugh, and yes, it was very loud. I remember she was always such a happy person. I hope she is laughing in heaven right now.
Chrissie, I enjoy reading your journal….I’m glad you are so faithful in your writing. Love you, Aunt Barbara
PS: I will let Bozena know of Aunt Jeannette’s passing.
Memories of my Mom
Dearest Christine:
Today your mother notified me about your website and how you are remembering my mom. You are so talented and warm hearted!
She recently became aware through her doctor that her kidneys were not functioning as they should. After Easter she went through a barage of tests that came back normal but it was plain that something just was not right. A women who loved to shop at Walmart but couldn’t do it anymore. Yes something was indeed not right.
And yes I do believe that she did die in her sleep. But we can be assured that she did love Jesus and did accept him as her personal saviour.
I miss the old days and think fondly of all my aunts, uncles and cousins. We sure had alot of fun back then.
God bless you and thank for remembering your Aunt Jeanette.
Re: Memories of my Mom
It filled my heart with pure joy when I read that Aunt Jeanette loved Jesus and accepted Him as her personal Lord and Savior. Now I know for sure that I will see her in heaven and hear that loud laugh again. And I will laugh with her.
There is so much comfort in the knowledge that we will see each other again because it’s not about what we have done but what He has done for us. It’s that simple.
Aunt Barbara
Re: Memories of my Mom
I agree with Barbara’s comment above when she says how filled with joy she was to hear that your Mom had accepted Jesus. When it comes right down to it, nothing matters more. And it really takes the edge off the sorrow when you know you’ll see your loved ones again.
In the long run, we’re really here for only such a short time, and it’s the people in our lives that make that short time what it is, and makes it so worthwhile. I’ll look forward to seeing my Aunt Jeanette in Heaven someday!
chrissy